Yakasai, a founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum and a well-known political figure, said Nigeria’s history does not support narratives describing the situation as a Christian genocide.
According to him, the country has a long tradition of Christians and Muslims living together peacefully, even within the same families.
Speaking during a recent interview, Yakasai argued that reports claiming systematic attacks against Christians fail to reflect the everyday reality of most Nigerian communities.
He said many Nigerians grow up in homes where both religions are practiced side by side, a situation he described as normal rather than unusual.
The elder statesman explained that religious coexistence is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s social structure, especially in areas like the Middle Belt.
He noted that the region’s religious makeup did not come from forced conversions but from historical developments that shaped belief systems differently from the far North.
According to Yakasai, Christianity became more widespread in the Middle Belt mainly because traditional worshippers in the region embraced it, while Muslims largely remained within their faith.
He stressed that this development should not be misinterpreted as evidence of religious hostility.
He also challenged what he described as exaggerated foreign reports on Nigeria’s religious situation.
Yakasai said some international media outlets rely on selective accounts that ignore the broader picture, creating impressions that do not match daily interactions among Nigerians.
He warned that such reporting could fuel tension and deepen misunderstandings, both within the country and internationally.
According to him, presenting Nigeria as a place divided strictly along religious lines oversimplifies a much more complex reality.
Yakasai further criticised statements by foreign political leaders that suggest Christians in Nigeria are under targeted attacks.
He said those comments overlook the fact that insecurity in the country affects people of all faiths and ethnic groups.
He emphasized that violence in Nigeria is largely driven by issues such as banditry, terrorism, and criminal activity rather than a planned religious agenda.
In his view, framing the problem as purely religious makes it harder to find real solutions.
Drawing from personal experience, Yakasai said his own family background reflects Nigeria’s religious diversity.
He revealed that his parents were from the Middle Belt, and like many families in the region, they had members who practiced different religions but lived together peacefully.
He explained that it is common to find Muslims and Christians sharing the same household, attending one another’s ceremonies, and supporting each other despite differences in belief.
The veteran politician also warned against using religion as a political tool. He said some individuals and groups amplify claims of persecution to gain sympathy or political advantage, even when such claims do not align with facts on the ground.
According to him, portraying one religious group as permanent victims can damage trust and weaken national unity.
He urged Nigerians to reject messages that promote fear and division.
Yakasai concluded by calling for responsible reporting, honest dialogue, and a renewed focus on unity.
He said Nigeria’s strength lies in its ability to manage diversity and maintain peaceful coexistence despite challenges.
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